The
Benefits of Selenium
The Benefits of Selenium
By: Dr. George Obikoya
Selenium: could be your most potent ally against
cancer. Selenium is a trace element found naturally in foods like
nuts and liver. Nearly all of the selenium in animal tissue is found
in the proteins. Some of these proteins contain stoichiometric quantities
of selenium and are known as selenoproteins. Other proteins contain
variable amounts of selenium (which substitutes sulfur randomly
in the original protein) and are known as selenium-binding proteins.
Researchers for more than 20 years animal studies have suggested
that tiny amounts of selenium in the diet can reduce the risk of
cancer in several organs, but much less is known about the anti-cancer
benefits of selenium in humans. In recent years, laboratory experiments,
clinical trials and epidemiological data have established the role
of selenium in the prevention of a number of degenerative conditions
including cancer, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease,
neurological diseases, aging, and infections. Most of these effects
are related to the function of selenium in the antioxidant enzyme
systems. A good source of selenium is a high-quality liquid multivitamin.
A study at the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1996 found that
people who took 200 mcg of selenium a day for four and a half years
reduced their risk of cancer by 32 percent and their risk of death
from cancer by 50 percent. It seems, though, that someone’s genes
may determine whether or not selenium supplements may reduce the
risk of breast cancer. New research suggests that people with a
certain genetic variation may benefit more from taking the popular
nutritional supplement to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
Numerous research reports indicate that higher blood levels of selenium
lowers mortality from cancer including lung, colorectal, prostate
and skin cancer1. Laboratory studies indicate the potentially beneficial
role of selenium in the management of mammary cancer2. Selenium
is an antioxidant and appears to regenerate vitamins E and C so
that they can continue to fight free radicals. Selenomethionine
is its best form. You need 200 mcg a day with food. Be aware that
doses of more than 400 mcg daily can be toxic.
Research also shows that a lower antioxidant status has been linked
to higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases due to increased
levels of LDL oxidation3,4. Selenium is one of the antioxidants
that may help to inhibit LDL oxidation.
Indeed, Selenium is one of the antioxidant vitamins recently reviewed
by The National Academy of Sciences (NAS)5. The new RDAs for antioxidant
nutrients are: vitamin C (75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg
for men), vitamin E (15 mg), and selenium (55 micrograms (mcg)).
The NAS report also established tolerable upper intake levels (ULs)
for vitamin C (2,000 mg), vitamin E (1,000 mg) and selenium (400
mcg). ULs for adults are set to protect the most sensitive individuals
of the general population. Selenium is reported to mimic the action
of insulin. Studies have shown that selenium mediates a number of
insulin-like actions such as stimulating glucose uptake and regulating
metabolic processes including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, fatty
acid synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway.
Although the exact mechanism of the insulin mimicking action of
selenium has as yet to be elucidated, it is reported that these
actions are mediated through the activation of key proteins involved
in the insulin-signal cascade6. Selenium is also reported to play
a role in reducing the oxidative stress associated with diabetes7,
thereby retarding the progression of the secondary complications
of diabetes such as neuropathy, retinopathy and cataracts. Low selenium
status has been associated with the incidence of arthritis. Studies
show the beneficial role of selenium as a free radical that delays
the progression of this condition.
Low levels of selenium in HIV /AIDS sufferers have been linked to
higher mortality. Low plasma selenium status has also been linked
with senility and cognitive decline in the elderly and with Alzheimer’s
disease.
Selenium supplementation was observed to reduce the severity of
epileptic seizures in children. Selenium supplementation is also
reported to improve confused and depressed mental states; mental
fatigue and anxiety in adults.
Selenium deficiency reduces the activities of the selenium-dependent
antioxidant enzymes, leading to a number of functional disorders
including skeletal muscke dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, hepatic
degradation, increased capillary permeability, and pancreatic degeneration.
Very low selenium status is a factor in the etiologies of a specific
type of juvenile cardiomyopathy (Keshan’s Disease) and a chondrodystrophy
(Kaschin-Beck Disease) that were observed in selenium-deficient
regions of China.
A good multivitamin is the foundation of health
and nutrition. Take a look at our scientific reviews of many of
the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement,
quality level, and overall value. If you are looking for a high
quality liquid multivitamin, we suggest that you take a look at
the Multivitamin
Product Comparisons.
VITAPELN COMPLETE™ contains a patented AquaMin(TM) Trace Minerals Complex and 165 scientifically formulated nutrients--all in a highly absorbable liquid formula.
References:
1. Decensi, A, Costa, AS. (2000) Recent advances in cancer chemoprevention,
with emphasis on breast and colorectal cancer. Eur. J. Cancer. 36(6):694-709.
2. Ip, C. et al. (2000) Selenium modulation of cell proliferation
and cell cycle biomarkers in normal and premalignant cells of the
rat mammary gland. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 9(1):49-54.
3. Ozer, N.K. et al. (1995) New roles of low density lipoproteins
and vitamin E in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Biochem. Mol
Biol. Int. 35:117-24.
4. Neve, J. (1996) Selenium as a risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases. J. Cardiovasc. Risk 3:42-47.
5. National Academy of Sciences, Press release, April 10, 2000.
6. Stapleton, S.R. (2000) Selenium: an insulin-mimetic. Cell Mol
Life Sci. 57(13-14):1874-9.
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